Bacup practice rated Outstanding by CQC

Irwell Medical Practice in Bacup, Lancashire, has been rated Outstanding for its quality of care following an inspection by The Care Quality Commission in November.

Inspectors rated the practice as Outstanding for being caring, and well-led, and Good for being safe, effective, and responsive, giving them their overall Outstanding rating.

Dr Phil Huxley, local GP, and Chair of NHS East Lancashire CCG said:

“Congratulations to Irwell Medical Practice. The CQC inspection process is very challenging and as a local GP I know it is not without its stresses and workload. I am delighted that the practice has received this external independent recognition. It is clear to me that the practice team are passionate and committed to providing effective treatment in a compassionate, kind and respectful way. I am delighted for the practice and its patients. In East Lancashire we now have three outstanding GP practices and a significant number of practices rated as good. This should be reassuring to patients and is a source of pride to me and my GP colleagues across East Lancashire”

Patients found it easy to use the appointment system and reported that they were able to access care when they needed it.

Reception staff knew that if patients wanted to discuss sensitive issues or appeared distressed they could offer them a private room to discuss their needs. A yellow card scheme was in place in reception. If a patient wished to speak in private, the yellow cards were available on each reception desk. They did not have to say anything, but instead hand a yellow card to the receptionist who would arrange a confidential room for the patient to speak to staff.